Grandma Maroni's Spaghetti And Meatballs
Introduction
There's nothing quite like a delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It's a classic dish that's loved by people all over the world. But when it comes to the perfect recipe, there's no one quite like Grandma Maroni. Her spaghetti and meatballs are legendary, and for good reason. The dish is a family recipe that's been passed down for generations, and it's one that's worth sharing. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the secrets behind Grandma Maroni's spaghetti and meatballs, and show you how to make it at home.
The Meatballs
The first step to making Grandma Maroni's spaghetti and meatballs is to prepare the meatballs. This is where the dish really shines, as the meatballs are what give the dish its unique flavor. To make the meatballs, you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by combining all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together, making sure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the meatballs. Make each meatball about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 20 meatballs from this recipe.
Now it's time to cook the meatballs. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're browned on all sides. Once they're browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
The Sauce
The next step is to prepare the sauce. This is another area where Grandma Maroni's recipe really shines. The sauce is made from scratch, and it's full of flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 ounces)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
To make the sauce, start by heating up a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes, or until they're softened.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together until it's well combined. Add the parsley, basil, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together until it's well combined.
Once the sauce is well combined, add the meatballs to the pot. Stir the meatballs into the sauce until they're well coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a delicious, rich sauce.
The Spaghetti
Now it's time to cook the spaghetti. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt
- Water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook the spaghetti for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's al dente.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander. Add the spaghetti to the pot with the sauce and meatballs. Use tongs to toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
Serve And Enjoy
Now it's time to serve and enjoy Grandma Maroni's spaghetti and meatballs. Spoon the spaghetti and meatballs into bowls, and top with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine, and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish.
Conclusion
Grandma Maroni's spaghetti and meatballs is a recipe that's been passed down for generations, and it's easy to see why. The combination of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is a match made in heaven. By following this recipe, you can recreate this classic dish at home and enjoy it with your family and friends.
